Computerized imaging of sporting trophies and method of providing a replica

ABSTRACT

Methods are disclosed for providing replicas of a sporting trophy and for scoring the sporting trophy. The first method includes providing a sporting trophy to be scanned; scanning the sporting trophy to provide three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy; and providing the three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy to a replica generating system to provide a replica of the sporting trophy. The second method includes providing three-dimensional digital data of a sporting trophy having a volume and a surface area; providing at least one sporting-relevant measurement based on the three-dimensional data of the sporting trophy; and providing a score of the sporting trophy based on the at least one sporting-relevant measurement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/942,045, filed onNov. 19, 2007, which claims the benefit of continuation-in-part of U.S.Ser. No. 11/700,360, filed on Jan. 31, 2007, which claims the benefit ofcontinuation application U.S. Ser. No. 11/170,573, filed on Jun. 29,2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 60/584,908, filed Jul. 1, 2004, the content of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices are known for creating three-dimensional (“3D”) imagerepresentations of items having complex shapes. For example,ShapeGrabber Inc., of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada designs, manufacturers andmarkets 3D laser scanners and 3D laser digitizers for 3D inspection,modeling and reverse engineering. The same company provides scannerservices on a project basis. Because of their high-tech and costlynature 3D imaging systems, such as ShapeGrabber, are generally limitedto industrial and business applications due to their higher cost.

The technology that the typical sportsman (e.g., a hunter, a trapper, afisherman) possesses is generally limited to much less costly devices,such as Global Positioning System (GPS) systems. Further, in the processof recording and display of sporting trophies, or portions thereof,sportsmen generally rely on relatively primitive means such as having amount of the original animal, or portion thereof, created. Further,sportsmen often use hand measurements to implement trophy scoringsystems for comparison, categorization, and/or ranking of their sportingtrophy. As defined herein “sporting trophy” means any non-livingbiological specimen obtained by a sportsman while engaged in theirsport.

Most sportsmen (e.g., hunters, fishermen) participate in theirrespective sports with the goal of catching or taking animals withspecific characteristics. On the occasion of acquiring a trophy animal(e.g., a deer with a large set of antlers, a fish with a great weightand/or length), sportsmen typically seek to record and display theirachievements. This is generally done through the use of “mounts” (i.e.,taking the trophy to a taxidermist) of their sporting trophy and in somecircumstances with the use of scoring systems for comparison andranking. However, this process requires that the original, or at least amold thereof, be utilized. Thus, in cases of intentional or accidentaldisposal (e.g., through destruction or theft) of the original sportingtrophy, a sportsman is unable to replace the trophy with an identicalcopy. Additionally, if the sporting trophy is damaged or otherwiseflawed, the resulting mount, or mold thereof, would also contain thedefects of the original.

Another major aspect related to sporting trophies pertains to scoringand ranking systems. For many years, sportsmen have been utilizingscoring systems to establish a numerical basis for categorizing andranking sporting trophies such as antlers (e.g., whitetail deer antlers,elk antlers, moose antlers). Examples of such systems, illustratively inthe context of deer antlers, include the Boone and Crocket, and the Popeand Young Score Charts. Determining the score of a set of deer antlersusing the Boone and Crockett Scoring system, as well as other scoringsystems, generally comprises measuring various characteristics such asthe length and spacing of each tine, and the length and circumference ofthe main rack beams. Further, many scoring systems for sporting trophiescomprise a number of categories (e.g., typical and non-typical antlers),each of which may be scored differently. For example, antlers ranked inthe “typical” categories are given a higher score for symmetry.

As a result, the process of measuring and scoring sporting trophies isvery labor intensive and requires precise measurement. The determinationof accurate and consistent scores is very time-consuming and difficultas a great number of characteristics must be taken into account. Theimplementation of conventional scoring systems by hand leads to thepossibility of error and/or ambiguity resulting from human error and/orlack of precision. Thus, there exists a need to implement economical andconsistent systems of scoring sporting trophies. Further, a consistent,economical, and precise means for reproduction and/or analysis ofportions of animals for sportsmen is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of generating and storing three-dimensional digital dataindicative of a sporting trophy is provided. The method may beimplemented in relation to a wide variety of sporting trophyapplications. A sportsman can provide a sporting trophy to a scanningsystem to obtain three-dimensional image data relative to the sportingtrophy. Sporting-relevant measurements can be computed based on thestored three-dimensional image data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for obtaining digital dataindicative of a sporting trophy.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for obtaining digitaldata indicative of a set of antlers.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a sporting trophyin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram chart illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention comprising authenticating image data obtained from a sportingtrophy.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention utilizing a CAT scan.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention utilizing a camera.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention utilizing a kit to acquire a physical representation of asporting trophy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1illustrates a system 100 pertaining to the imaging, reproduction and/oranalysis of sporting trophy 110. It should be understood and appreciatedthat sporting trophies can be any animal that has been hunted, fished,or trapped or any portion of the animal, such as antlers, skulls, andhorns. Examples of sporting trophies include, but are not limited to,those recognized and described by the Safari Club International and theBoone and Crocket Club. For the purpose of economizing description ofaspects of the present invention, many embodiments described herein willbe discussed in the context of imaging, measurement, and reproduction ofdeer antlers.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, 3D imagescanning system 112 creates a 3D representation of sporting trophy 110.In one embodiment, image scanning system 112 comprises a machine orservice, such as those offered by ShapeGrabber, Inc., enabling afree-formed scan of surfaces associated with sporting trophy 110.Accordingly, a 3D representation of trophy 110 is generated. However, itis important to note that any suitable system can be employed to obtain3D image data of sporting trophy 110.

After sporting trophy 110 has been reduced to digital image form, imagedata measurement 114 produces and collects precise measurements of thesporting trophy based on the image data. In accordance with oneembodiment, a 3D grid is constructed around the sporting trophy in orderto provide a context for precise measurement. In one embodiment, thegrid is divided into measurement portions that are hundredths of an inchto scale.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, afterthe image data has been collected, the image data is stored on acomputerized server 116 for access as needed. Server 116 is one exampleof the three-dimensional image data being stored on a computer-readablemedium. Other examples include storing the data on media such as aCD-ROM, or a memory stick, for example. In one aspect, the data onserver 116 is accessible from remote locations, such as over theInternet. In another aspect, computation module 122 catalogs and ranksthe image data in the context of previously stored data associated withother sporting trophies. For example, the sporting trophy can be rankedbased on size or quality of incorporated features. Different sets ofrankings can be generated for different categories such as geography,age of hunter, and the like. Further, the ranking of the antlers can bebased, at least in part, on a selected scoring system.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, theimage data (or corresponding data derived therefrom) is supplied to amodel generation system 118. Model generation is a machine or othersuitable system that creates a model representation based on the imagedata. For example, distilled data, such as a vectorized representationof the sporting trophy in three-dimensional space using polarcoordinates, can be generated based on the 3D image data. That distilleddata, or the image data itself, can be provided to replica generationsystem 120, such as a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) cuttingsystem in order to carve or otherwise machine a highly accurate replicaof the originally scanned sporting trophy. In one aspect, the image datais copied from server 116 and provided to system 120 to create a replicaof the subject of the image data. Although a CNC machine is describedherein, it should be understood and appreciated that any suitable deviceknown in the art can be used for providing the replica of the sportingtrophy, such as plastic molding devices, plasma cutters and the like,can be employed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood and appreciated that the replicas created by thereplica generation system 120 can be fabricated from various materialsof construction known in the art, such as plastic, gold, silver,platinum, plaster, marble, and combinations thereof. It should also beunderstood and appreciated that the replicas created by the replicageneration system 120 can vary in size relative to the sporting trophy110, such as substantially the same size, miniature, or any size therebetween. In one embodiment of the present invention, the replica can besubstantially the same size as the sporting trophy 110. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the replica can be a miniature ofthe sporting trophy 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, theminiature is less than about 50% of the size of the sporting trophy. Inanother embodiment, the miniature is less than about 10% of the size ofthe sporting trophy. The miniature replicas can be used as a number ofdifferent products. For example, the miniature replicas can benovelties, figurines, tie tacks, paper weights, card holders, and thelike.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, modelgeneration system 118 can be utilized to correct damage or otherimperfections in sporting trophy 110. In some instances, the sportingtrophy may be damaged during the hunt or under other circumstances. Forexample, in the context of fishing, a fish may have been injured (e.g.,bit by another fish) resulting in exterior blemishes. In theseinstances, the sporting trophy is less appealing or desirable because itis not in a pristine condition. Accordingly, model generation 118 mayutilized to digitally correct flaws in the digital image of sportingtrophy 110 before replica generation system 120 creates a replica ofsporting trophy 110.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the 3Ddigital representation (or a corresponding data set based thereon) isprovided to the replica generation system 120 (e.g., a CNC (or another)machine) in order to create a negative 3D replica of the originallyscanned object. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold canbe formed in a block of material. These molds can be utilized to createa synthetic representation for any purpose such as, but not limited to,the creation of candles in the shape of the antlers. In anotherembodiment, the negative 3D replica can be provided in a transparent orsubstantially transparent material, such as glass, plastic, crystal, andthe like. An example of the negative 3D replica provided in thetransparent or substantially transparent material is a laser enhancedcrystal containing the negative 3D replica therein. It should beunderstood and appreciated that the negative 3D replica can be put intoany transparent or substantially transparent material by any methodknown in the art, such as laser engraving. Similar to the replicasdescribed herein, it should also be understood and appreciated that thenegative 3D replicas can be any size relative to the original sportingtrophy 110, such as substantially the same size, miniature, or any sizethere between.

FIG. 2 illustrates system 200 for the imaging, reproduction and/oranalysis of deer antlers in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. Antlers 210 are scanned by image scanner 212 and theresultant 3D image data are supplied to image data measurement andcollection system 214. The image data corresponding to antlers 210 canbe supplied to model generation system 218. Model generation is,illustratively, substantially similar to model generation system 118described in the context of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, model generationsystem 218 is used to create a substantially exact replica of antlers210. In one example, the antlers of the World Record Whitetail Deer arescanned in order to create a corresponding 3D image data set (e.g., animage data set accurate down to a hundredth of an inch relative to theoriginal antler). The image data (or a corresponding set of image data)can be provided to a cutting machine, or other suitable machine, whichis programmed to create a model of the originally provided antler.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, thedescribed duplication process will enhance the enjoyment of “shedhunting.” Deer shed their antlers every year and it is common for peopleto hunt the sheds. If an individual who is shed hunting finds a largesingle of a pair of antlers, it becomes desirable for the individual tocreate a synthetic model of the other side of the pair of antlers. Inthis situation model generation system 218 can be utilized to reduce thefound single antler to a 3D representation. That image data is thenmanipulated in order to create a data set that represents a relativemirror image representation of the originally scanned side of the foundsingle antler. For example, if the individual found a right-hand sideantler, a 3D data representation is produced for the left-hand sideantler. Once an image data set has been created for the missing antler,the data can be utilized to create a model of the missing antler, or ofthe entire rack.

As discussed above, in the context of hunting, fishing, and other sportsinvolving the capture or taking of animals, many systems are implementedto score, rank, and/or categorize sporting trophies. For instance, deerantlers are ranked by systems such as the Boone and Crocket and the Popeand Young Score Charts. In accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, the image data corresponding to antlers 210 are supplied toserver 216. Server 216 may be any suitable computing system, implementedover a network or locally, for performing computation, sorting, and/oranalysis of the image data. In one embodiment, scoring system 222 isutilized to implement a desired scoring system (e.g., Boone and CrocketScore Chart, Pope and Young Score Chart). It is important to note thatany suitable scoring systems, such as simple size and weightmeasurements, are within the scope of the present invention.Additionally, specific sporting trophy measurements and scoringcalculations can be performed using computed total volumetricdisplacement calculations in addition to or in lieu of standard linearmeasurements. This automated total volumetric calculation can beperformed with respect to any suitable sporting trophy and is notlimited to antlers of horned animals. It should be understood andappreciated that any suitable method can be used to calculate the totalvolumetric displacement.

Typically, the standard linear measurements of a sporting trophy areacquired by employing a measuring device, such as a measuring tape, andmeasuring predetermined external portions, such as those recognized bythe Safari Club International and the Boone and Crocket Club, of thesporting trophies by hand. The lengths of the predetermined externalportions of the sporting trophies are combined to provide an overallscore for the sporting trophies. Measuring the predetermined externalportions of the sporting trophies by hand provides a relativelysubjective manner of measuring, which can lead to inconsistencies in themeasurements.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thescoring system 222 provides a universal measuring system for providingconsistent linear measurements of sporting trophies. Referring now toFIG. 3, shown therein is a sporting trophy 310 having a first horn 312and a second horn 314. The first and second horns 312 and 314 have atleast one internal length 316 and 318, respectively. It should beunderstood and appreciated that the sporting trophy can be any sportingtrophy described herein and is not limited to horns like those shown inFIG. 3. Generally, the internal lengths extend along predeterminedportions of a sporting trophy. For example, the predetermined portionsof the sporting trophy 310 shown in FIG. 3 extend from a base portion320 of the sporting trophy 310 to a first end portion 322 of the firsthorn 312 and from the base portion 320 to a second end portion 324 ofthe second horn 314. The scoring system 222 consistently measures theinternal lengths 316 and 318 along predetermined portions of thesporting trophy.

The scoring system 222 provides consistent measurements of the internallengths 316 and 318 of the sporting trophy 310. The scoring system 222provides the internal lengths 316 and 318 of the sporting trophies 310disposed at the substantial center of any given cross-sectionperpendicular to the predetermined portion of the sporting trophy 310.Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, shown therein are cross-sections 326 and328 of the first horn 312 of the sporting trophy 310. The cross-sections326 and 328 of the first horn 312 show the internal lengths 316 and 318substantially disposed at the center of the cross-sections 326 and 328.It should be understood and appreciated that any perpendicularcross-section taken along the predetermined portions of the sportingtrophies has the internal lengths disposed substantially in the center.It should be understood and appreciated that the internal lengthsmeasured by the scoring system 222 can be subjected to a net measurementsystem or a gross measurement system, such as those implemented by theSafari Club International and the Boone and Crocket Club.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thesurface area of the sporting trophies is determined and provided by thescoring system 222 as an additional scoring parameter. The surface areacan be used to score the sporting trophies in addition to or in lieu ofeither standard linear measurements and/or total volumetric calculation.It should be understood and appreciated that the surface area can bedetermined by any method known in the art for determining the surfacearea of a 3D image of a sporting trophy. It should also be understoodand appreciated that the scoring system 222 can use standard linearmeasurements of the sporting trophy, the volumetric displacement of thesporting trophy, the surface area of the sporting trophy, or anycombination thereof to score the sporting trophies.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, theweight of the sporting trophies is determined and provided to thescoring system 222 as an additional scoring parameter. It should beunderstood and appreciated that the density of the sporting trophy canbe determined from the volume and the weight and be used as anadditional scoring parameter. The weight can be used to score thesporting trophies in addition to or in lieu of the standard linearmeasurements, the surface area and/or the total volumetric calculation.It should also be understood and appreciated that the scoring system 222can use standard linear measurements of the sporting trophy, thevolumetric displacement of the sporting trophy, the surface area of thesporting trophy, the weight of the sporting trophy, the density of thesporting trophy, or any combination thereof to score the sportingtrophies.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, rankingsystem 224 enables a wider range of scoring of sporting trophies.Ranking system 224 can be locally implemented and provides rankingservices for antlers that have been scanned by the same image scanner.However, ranking system 224 can also be implemented over a network, suchas the Internet, to provide ranking services for large geographic area(e.g., county, state).

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, datacan be divided into any of a number of subclasses includingstate-by-state results, or for sporting categories such as 3/3, 4/4,5/5, etc. Rankings can be provided on an Internet site that can beaccessed by the public at large. In one embodiment, a centralized entityis responsible for the website and is the official organization forrecording results. That organization creates the digital imagerepresentations for record keeping purposes. For example, theorganization can provide an indication of a record for the largest 3/3,4/4, 5/5, etc. in each individual state. In one embodiment, the recordholder in each class in each state is provided with a reward. Given thecentralized record keeping, there becomes an incentive for a hunter tobring his or her trophy to the organization for imaging and accuratemeasurement.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, obtainingimage data corresponding to a 3D scanned sporting trophy includesauthenticating the image data. Illustrated in FIG. 6, a sporting trophy410 is scanned and image data is obtained, as indicated at block 412.Image authentication 414 is created and issued relative to the digitalimage data of sporting trophy 410. Authentication can take any suitableform. Authentication may be as simple as placing a computer-readablemedium containing the three-dimensional image data in a sealed package,which package is used to indicate authenticity. Additionally, theauthentication can be provided in the form of digital data stored on thecomputer-readable medium. Yet another form of authentication can beprovided by encrypting the three-dimensional data, and controllingaccess to keys for decryption to allowed persons such as the sportsmanand/or approved taxidermists. Image data storage 416 may include storingthe image authentication information along with the corresponding imagedata. In one embodiment, when the sportsman brings his or her sportingtrophy for imaging and recordal, they are provided with a certificate ofauthenticity issued by the scanning entity. The certificate can includean image of the antlers along with information pertaining to theresponsible hunter (e.g., social security number, hunting licensenumber, etc.) as well as relevant scanning data such as the date andtime of scanning, machine used for scanning, technician information whoperformed the scan, etc.

It is believed that taxidermists may collectively form an alliance andan agreement to not mount antlers for hunters who do not have acertificate of authentication. This may even reduce poaching. In oneaspect, even if the antlers were mounted by a taxidermist who does notrequire an authenticity certificate, purchasers of antlers will becomeaccustomed to requiring certificates for enhanced value. In the longrun, antlers not associated with a certificate will lose their value.The organization that issues these certificates of authenticity will beable to reissue certificates if necessary (e.g., if lost or stolen).

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a system that can be utilized to createa 3D image based on multiple two-dimensional (“2D”) images in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. First, a CAT (ComputedAxial Tomography) scanned image 512 is conducted of a sporting trophy510. A CAT scan involves using computers to generate multiple flat(i.e., two-dimension), x-ray images one slice at a time. The multiple 2Dimages are collected (step 514) and used to generate a 3D image (step516). The CAT scan images can be utilized to support asportsmen-oriented scoring system based on bone structure, or any othersuitable internal structure of the trophy. In one embodiment, such aprocess may be utilized for the scoring of fish. The image datagenerated from a CAT scan image can be utilized for any of the purposesdescribed above in relation to the scanning equipment provided byShapeGrabber Inc. For example, CAT scan images can be utilized as thebasis for creating model representations of scanned objects. The scanscan also be utilized for measurement purposes, the measurements beingutilized in a record keeping system such as the ones described above inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, measurements arecollected based on a plurality of two-dimensional images. FIG. 8 is adiagrammatic view of a camera 612 provided with a laser range finder.Camera 612 may be any suitable device or system for acquiring an imageof sporting trophy 610. When a two-dimensional image of a target,illustratively sporting trophy 610, is collected, the distance 614 ofcamera 612 from the target is simultaneously obtained form the rangefinder. In accordance with one embodiment, image measurement software614 can then be applied to measure an element in the picture (e.g.,score a set of antlers) based, in part, on the distance 614 from thetarget 610. For example, if a hunter is standing six feet away from atarget and takes a picture, the range finder will determine that thehunter is six feet away. The software can then analyze a picture takenby the hunter in the context of the distance from the target in order toproduce a relatively exact measurement of something within the picture(e.g., the antlers).

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, thesportsman submits the sporting trophy (e.g. antlers) to a computerizedimaging system. In some cases this may be convenient where the sportsmancan simply bring the sporting trophy to the location of a scanningapparatus. However, in other situations, the sportsman and the scanningapparatus may be located hundreds if not thousands of miles from eachother.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of providing sporting trophy information to ascanning authority in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. At block 702, a sportsman obtains a kit for acquiring aphysical representation of a sporting trophy. The kit may comprise anymeans for creating a suitable representation of a sporting trophy. Inone embodiment, the kit facilitates creation of a negative mold of thesporting trophy. For example, in one embodiment, the sportsman isprovided with a molding compound and instructions to create a two-partkit that can form around the sporting trophy to generate a negativeimage thereof. In another embodiment, the kit includes a camera similarto that illustrated in FIG. 8. At block 704, the sportsman utilizes thekit to create a physical representation of the sporting trophy. Block704 can include the mixing or preparation of the molding compound;placement of the sporting trophy within the prepared molding compound;and caring of the molding compound; and curing of the molding compound.The physical representation (e.g., the hardened or cured negative imageof the sporting trophy) can then be shipped to the scanning entity, asindicated at block 706 without requiring the sportsman to part with hisor her sporting trophy. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatother methods and techniques for providing a physical representation ofthe sporting trophy to the scanning entity can be provided as well.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing replicas of a sportingtrophy, comprising the steps of: providing a sporting trophy to bescanned; scanning the sporting trophy to provide three-dimensional imagedata of the sporting trophy; and providing the three-dimensional imagedata of the sporting trophy to a replica generating system to provide areplica of the sporting trophy.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of storing the three-dimensional image data of thesporting trophy on a computer-readable medium.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the replica is substantially the same size as the sportingtrophy.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the replica is a miniature ofthe sporting trophy.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the miniature isless than about 50% of the size of the sporting trophy.
 6. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the miniature is less than about 10% of the size of thesporting trophy.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the replica is anegative three-dimensional replica.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein thenegative three-dimensional replica is a miniature negative replica ofthe sporting trophy.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the miniaturenegative replica is less than about 50% of the size of the sportingtrophy.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the miniature negative replicais less than about 10% of the size of the sporting trophy.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of altering thethree-dimensional image date to correct any flaws in thethree-dimensional image data prior to providing the three-dimensionalimage data to the replica generating system.
 12. A system for providingreplicas of a sporting trophy, comprising: a scanner configured to scana sporting trophy in three dimensions and provide three-dimensionalimage data; and a replica generating system to provide a replica of thesporting trophy from the three-dimensional image data.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 further comprising: a server coupled to the scanner, the serverbeing configured to calculate a plurality of measurements relative tothe sporting trophy.
 14. The system of claim 12 wherein the replica issubstantially the same size as the sporting trophy.
 15. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the replica is a miniature of the sporting trophy. 16.The system of claim 15 wherein the miniature is less than about 50% ofthe size of the sporting trophy.
 17. The system of claim 15 wherein theminiature is less than about 10% of the size of the sporting trophy. 18.The system of claim 12 wherein the replica is a negativethree-dimensional replica.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein thenegative three-dimensional replica is a miniature negative replica ofthe sporting trophy.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the miniaturenegative replica is less than about 50% of the size of the sportingtrophy.
 21. The system of claim 19 wherein the miniature negativereplica is less than about 10% of the size of the sporting trophy. 22.The system of claim 12 wherein any flaws in the three-dimensional imagedata is corrected prior to providing the three-dimensional image data tothe replica generating system.